Clichy - We must stay focused

Gael Clichy insists Arsenal must stay focused if they are going to challenge for the Premier League.

By James Riach

Last Updated: 27/10/09 11:08am

Arsenal defender Gael Clichy insists his team must stay focused in matches if they are going to challenge for the Premier League title.

The Gunners let a two-goal lead slip against West Ham on Sunday and left Upton Park with only a point after they dominated most of the game, with Carlton Cole and Alessandro Diamanti on the scoresheet for the home side.

France international Clichy believes Arsenal most improve small details and remain focused in games right until the final whistle in order to mount a title challenge.

"We were in control of the game, but it is not enough because we have to win games and stop losing points like this because it is a big disappointment," he said.

"We have the quality, it is just small details that make the difference and we know that.

"On set-pieces you have to be focused and referee decisions are not in our hands.

"The Premier League is really tough - even at 3-0 up you can concede a draw or lose the game.

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"That shows you the level of the competition and the teams we are playing against.

"That is good for English football, but we should have won the game."

Arsenal take on Liverpool in the Carling Cup on Wednesday, looking to right the wrongs of Upton Park, and Clichy is looking forward to putting the weekend disappointment to the back of his mind.

"We know what we have done right and wrong," he added.

"When you make a mistake or have a bad game that the best way to forget it is to play as soon as possible.

"We have a big game on Wednesday in the Carling Cup against Liverpool, so we have to be focused on that and then of course Tottenham is a big derby for ourselves and for the fans."